The New York Jets fell to a 0-5 record for the first time since 1996 after their 30-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. After the game, running back Le’Veon Bell hinted at his desire to be traded, although he revealed it in a subtle way.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini reports that Bell “liked” the tweets of three media members, including one which suggested that he should be traded because Jets head coach Adam Gase does not know how to use him properly. The other two tweets, meanwhile, are concerned with his lack of involvement in the team’s passing game.
The 28-year-old Bell had 13 carries for 60 rushing yards, but was targeted just once and had seven receiving yards in the loss to the Cardinals.
Gase said after the game that the team’s winless record doesn’t match up with the way the team practices, and Monday he said he understands Bell’s frustration because of their lack of success, according to The Athletic's Connor Hughes.
Gase added that it wasn't the plan to go away from Bell in the passing game, and he addressed Bell's antics on social media:
Gase on Bell taking a personal shot at Gase by liking a tweet saying Gase doesn’t know how to use him: “I’ve been trying to get him the ball … Sometimes defense takes guys away that we’re trying to get the ball to”
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 12, 2020
Gase said he “hates” that social media is the route players go instead of talking about it, but that’s the way things are done now a days
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 12, 2020
Gase then said he really has nothing to say about Bell's trade request and whether the Jets will grant it.
Even if Bell wants to be traded, it will be difficult for the Jets to move him because of his contract. In 2019, New York made a splash in free agency by signing Bell to a four-year, $52.5 million deal, which at the time made him the highest-paid running back in the NFL. This came after a drama-filled situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Jets will look for their first win of the season when they face the Los Angeles Chargers in their Week 6 game on Sunday.
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